Amy Traub

Urban Identities: Municipal Cards Help Integrate Immigrants

A growing number of American cities are issuing ID cards that enable all residents to take part in the life of the community and access municipal services – even if those residents are unauthorized immigrants. An article in this morning's New York Times surveys these city polices, concluding that they are a response to the federal failure to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Unlike Arizona’s exclusionary new immigration enforcement measure however, these policies are positive, recognizing that undocumented residents are a valuable and indeed inextricable part of our cities.

The card ensures access to city libraries and parks and can be used to obtain bank accounts, car insurance, and apartment rentals. It also functions as a debit card for parking tickets and some downtown shops. The card benefits New Haven’s 10,000 to 12,000 undocumented immigrants who have easier access to private and municipal services, but it’s really a boon to every city resident. For example, undocumented immigrants can show their card to police who ask for ID, making it easier for them to report crimes and serve as witnesses, which increases public safety for the entire town.

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